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Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Snow Flurry' is one of my favorite California native plants to use in our landscape projects, and here's why. Not only is 'Snow Flurry' a California native, but it is also a local native from Big Sur. Snow Flurry is an evergreen shrub or small tree that produces a mass of showy white flowers, benefits pollinators, and can be used as a botanical soap. Drought-tolerant once established, the low water requirements of Snow Flurry allow this plant to survive summer drought.
When choosing plants for landscape designs, natives should be the first choice. Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry' is about as native as they get. Selected from Big Sur in the 70s, this excellent California native works well throughout Monterey County. For example, we have planted 'Snow Flurry' in full sun in Carmel Valley and in partial sun in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel Valley is very hot and dry, while Carmel-by-the-Sea tends to stay more damp and cool. In both locations, it is thriving. If you live in Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, or Monterey, this plant will work in your landscape.
For those who want some color in the garden, Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry' produces a mass of white flowers that starts in late winter/early spring. Interestingly, the flowers contain saponins, which produce a soapy lather used as a botanical soap. Simply grab some flowers in the palm of your hand, add water, and wash your hands. You'll be amazed at the suds that form. Beyond having showy white flowers that are useful, Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry' makes an excellent hedge or natural screen, which is very drought-tolerant.
If you need a fast-growing, evergreen hedge/screen to provide privacy in your landscape, 'Snow Flurry' is a great option. With very little water needed, this plant grows and fills in rapidly, making it an excellent choice for screening. It can be trimmed for a formal appearance or left natural. In California, where drought is a concern, this plant is well adapted to the long dry summer months, where many plants require supplemental water, but these do not once they are well-rooted.
It's difficult to walk past Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry' when it's flowering without being amazed - they are incredibly floriferous! This outstanding, prolific, native evergreen flowering shrub can be utilized for privacy in a formal or natural setting, or even as a small specimen tree. Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry' is well-suited to the local conditions in Monterey County due to its low water needs.
